Johannesburg Water (JW) has committed approximately $5 million (R92 million) to a significant infrastructure project aimed at upgrading the Erand Tower and Pump Station. This strategic initiative is designed to improve water supply reliability in the rapidly developing Midrand region, which includes areas such as Carlswald, Blue Hills, Kyalami, and Barbeque Downs.
Project Scope and Objectives
The existing Erand Reservoir complex comprises a 25-megalitre (Ml) reservoir, a 9Ml reservoir, and a 0.5Ml water tower elevated 30 meters above ground level. This infrastructure has been under increasing pressure due to the escalating water demands of Midrand’s expanding communities. To address these challenges, JW’s upgrade plan includes constructing a new 2Ml water tower and an advanced pump station, both designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing system.
Technical Specifications
The new pump station will be equipped with four Turbofluid pumps, operating on a rotational basis with three active pumps and one on standby. This rotation strategy ensures even wear and extends the operational lifespan of each pump. Additionally, a generator will be installed on-site to maintain functionality during power outages, ensuring an uninterrupted water supply.
Strategic Importance
Pfunzo Mudzanani, the project manager for Johannesburg Water, emphasized that the upgrade aims to enhance water storage capacity, particularly for higher-lying areas. This expansion is crucial for accommodating current demands and supporting future growth in the region. The initiative is part of JW’s broader Reservoir Storage Upgrade Programme, which seeks to provide a 24-hour storage capacity across all reservoirs. This strategy is intended to mitigate service disruptions resulting from network bursts or supply interruptions from bulk suppliers.
Progress and Collaboration
As of March 2025, the project is approximately 60% complete. Johannesburg Water has collaborated with consulting engineers MPAMOT and appointed Icon Construction to execute the project. The scope of work includes constructing a new 30-meter-high reinforced concrete water tower with a 2Ml capacity, building a pump station equipped with four pumps capable of a 37-meter head, and integrating all necessary appurtenances and control systems. The project also encompasses installing inlet and outlet pipework connecting the reservoir to the pump station and the existing distribution network, as well as implementing cathodic protection, telemetry requirements, power supply enhancements, a standby generator, and lightning protection.
Addressing Broader Infrastructure Challenges
This project is a critical component of Johannesburg Water’s efforts to address the city’s broader infrastructure challenges. In December 2024, JW’s CEO, Ntshavheni Mukwevho, highlighted a substantial infrastructure backlog estimated at R27 billion (approximately $1.48 billion), primarily due to underinvestment and budget constraints. Approximately 60% of the city’s water infrastructure has surpassed its designed lifespan, leading to frequent pipe bursts, water losses, and inefficient supply systems. Mukwevho emphasized the need for an annual investment of R3 billion (approximately $164 million) over the next decade to revitalize the water system and prevent further deterioration.
Future Outlook
The successful completion of the Erand Tower and Pump Station upgrade is anticipated to significantly improve water supply reliability in Midrand and its surrounding areas. This enhancement will support ongoing urban development and contribute to the overall resilience of Johannesburg’s water infrastructure. Continued investments in similar projects are essential to meet the growing demands of the city’s population and to ensure sustainable water management practices.
